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Director Open Innovation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TSMC

IP Alliance Program Manager (6735)

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

You will report to the Deputy Director of the IP Alliance. Additional responsibilities include ... Open Innovation Platform) marketing. Shuttle team, and IP Operations. Preferred Qualifications

TSMC

IP Alliance Program Manager (6735)

San Jose, CA · On-site

You will report to the Deputy Director of the IP Alliance.Additional responsibilities include ... Open Innovation Platform) marketing. Shuttle team, and IP Operations. Preferred Qualifications

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Director Open Innovation information

What is a director of open innovation?

A Director of Open Innovation is a senior leader responsible for driving innovation by fostering collaboration between an organization and external partners, such as startups, universities, and research institutions. They create and manage programs that encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and knowledge to accelerate product development and solve complex business challenges. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships, overseeing innovation projects, and ensuring alignment with the company's goals. The Director of Open Innovation plays a key part in building an innovative culture and expanding the organization's capabilities beyond its internal resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of open innovation?

To thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, you need a strong background in innovation management, cross-industry collaboration, and strategic leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with open innovation platforms, intellectual property management systems, and experience with tools for partnership management are typically required. Outstanding relationship-building, negotiation, and change management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are essential to successfully drive external collaborations, accelerate innovation pipelines, and deliver business value through strategic partnerships.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of open innovation when integrating external partnerships into existing company structures?

A Director of Open Innovation often encounters challenges such as aligning external partners' goals with internal business objectives, managing intellectual property concerns, and ensuring smooth communication across different organizational cultures. Successfully integrating new ideas or technologies can require navigating resistance to change within the company and establishing clear processes for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Building trust, setting transparent expectations, and fostering strong internal advocacy are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and maximizing the value of external collaborations.

What is the difference between Director Open Innovation vs Innovation Manager?

AspectDirector Open InnovationInnovation Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Engineering, or related fields; often requires experience in innovation or R&DBachelor's or Master’s in similar fields; focus on project management and innovation processes
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, executive-level interactionsProject execution, team coordination, supporting innovation initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech firms, and R&D departmentsCommon in corporate innovation teams, startups, and product development units

The main difference is that the Director Open Innovation focuses on strategic leadership and high-level innovation initiatives, while the Innovation Manager handles day-to-day project execution and supports innovation processes. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to fostering innovation within organizations, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Director Open Innovation jobs in California?

For Director Open Innovation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Open Innovation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Open Innovation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Open Innovation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Open Innovation job openings:

Director Open Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Open Innovation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

OI Advanced Automotive Technologies Open Innovation Manager

Hyundai Motor Company

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

OI Advanced Automotive Technologies Open Innovation Manager

Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) is seeking an Open Innovation Manager - Advanced Automotive Technologies - to join Hyundai CRADLE Silicon Valley in Mountain View, CA.

Hyundai CRADLE is Hyundai Motor Group's (HMG) innovation and early-stage venture arm, partnering with leading startups across North America to generate insights and collaboration opportunities that enhance our current businesses and develop new business opportunities. CRADLE has teams around the world - Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore. This position is in our Silicon Valley office in Mountain View, CA.

This role offers the opportunity to identify, evaluate, and introduce breakthrough technologies and partnerships with a focus on advanced automotive technologies: AI/software defined vehicles, electric vehicles, vehicle software platforms, E/E architecture, in-vehicle computing, connected vehicle technologies, sensor technologies, vehicle data platforms, cybersecurity, and related technology areas. You will assess emerging technology shifts, develop strategic perspectives for HMG, and work closely with internal leaders and external partners, including startups, tech companies, VCs, universities, and research institutions.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Spot emerging technologies, startups, market shifts, and business models, and turn them into actionable recommendations for HMG
  • Build relationships across the innovation ecosystem, including startups, investors, universities, and research institutions
  • Collaborate with internal teams around the world to identify business needs, technology priorities, and partnership opportunities
  • Lead or support technology assessments, PoCs, and strategic collaboration projects from ideation to implementation
  • Contribute to workshops, startup assessments, technology reviews, and executive briefings
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Demonstrated strong curiosity in technology and startups
  • 5+ years of experience and technical understanding in advanced automotive technologies, including AI/software defined vehicles, electric vehicles, vehicle software platforms, E/E architecture, in-vehicle computing, connected vehicle technologies, sensor technologies, vehicle data platforms, cybersecurity, and related technology areas
  • Strong networks and direct experience working in or with electric vehicle companies, automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, automotive software companies, sensor technology companies, cybersecurity companies, technology startups, or advanced mobility organizations a must
  • Experience at companies such as Rivian, Lucid, Tesla, traditional OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or other relevant automotive technology organizations beneficial
  • Experience in technology scouting, market research, startup analysis, business development, product strategy, roadmaps, or strategic partnerships
  • Experience working with startups, venture firms, universities, research institutions, or other ecosystem partners
  • Strategic mindset to evaluate technical and business potential, form a clear point of view on trends, and translate insights into action
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to create clear, executive-ready materials that communicate complex ideas simply
  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively across teams and geographies
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity, work proactively and independently, prioritize tasks and identify high-impact opportunities
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, automotive engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, cybersecurity, business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
  • 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Competitive Salaries
    • $150,000 ~ $190,000
  • A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
  • Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
  • Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • Flexible Work Hours
OTHER DETAILS

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.

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